U.S. patent number 9,265,174 [Application Number 14/325,357] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-16 for method and apparatus for optimizing germicidal lamp performance in a disinfection device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ULTRAVIOLET DEVICES, INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is Filiberto Betancourt, Richard Hayes, Ashish Mathur, Lev Rotkop, Aleksandr Shostak, Peter Veloz, David Witham. Invention is credited to Filiberto Betancourt, Richard Hayes, Ashish Mathur, Lev Rotkop, Aleksandr Shostak, Peter Veloz, David Witham.
United States Patent |
9,265,174 |
Shostak , et al. |
February 16, 2016 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing germicidal lamp performance in
a disinfection device
Abstract
This invention controls the temperature of the critical spot of
the UV lamps and on the critical spots having a deposit of mercury
or amalgam containing mercury by directing a uniform flow of air on
and around the critical spots having amalgam or be other means to
remove heat from the critical spots.
Inventors: |
Shostak; Aleksandr (Northridge,
CA), Mathur; Ashish (Santa Clara, CA), Hayes; Richard
(Thousand Oaks, CA), Veloz; Peter (Glendale, CA), Witham;
David (Ventura, CA), Betancourt; Filiberto (North Hills,
CA), Rotkop; Lev (Beverly Hills, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shostak; Aleksandr
Mathur; Ashish
Hayes; Richard
Veloz; Peter
Witham; David
Betancourt; Filiberto
Rotkop; Lev |
Northridge
Santa Clara
Thousand Oaks
Glendale
Ventura
North Hills
Beverly Hills |
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ULTRAVIOLET DEVICES, INC.
(Valencia, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
52993645 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/325,357 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2014 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150115170 A1 |
Apr 30, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61895010 |
Oct 24, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K
7/20136 (20130101); H05K 7/20436 (20130101); A61L
2/10 (20130101); A61L 9/20 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61L
2/10 (20060101); A61L 9/20 (20060101); H05K
7/20 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;250/493.1,494.1,504R,504H ;422/20,21,22,24 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Ippolito; Nicole
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Law Office of David Hong
Parent Case Text
PRIORITY CLAIM
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/895,010, filed on Oct. 24, 2013, which is
incorporated by reference in entirety. This application is also
related to U.S. Design Pat. No. D684,671, which was issued on Jun.
19, 2013, which is also incorporated by reference in entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for disinfection of air and surfaces, comprising: A
UV lamp having a mercury amalgam spot; A power source; A conduit
body, which has at least one hole that is located near the mercury
spot of the UV lamp; and An air moving device, which delivers air
through the conduit body in a first direction; and the at least one
hole directs the air in a second direction and near the mercury
spot of the UV lamp, Whereby the air moving device provides cooling
to alter temperature near the mercury amalgam spot of the UV
lamp.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one hole is an
air director, which is located near the mercury amalgam spot of the
UV lamp.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the air director is a nozzle,
an orifice or a diverter.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a controller is used to
modulate speed of the air moving device in order to maintain the
temperature of the UV lamp.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller uses a
temperature sensor located near the mercury amalgam spot to
maintain the temperature of the UV lamp.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the controller has a delay
function to delay operation of the air moving device, in order to
allow the UV lamp to reach an operating temperature.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mercury amalgam spot
comprises, mercury or an amalgam.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air moving device keeps
the mercury amalgam spot below its melting temperature.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air moving device keeps
the mercury amalgam spot between 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees
C.
10. An apparatus for disinfection of air and surfaces, comprising:
A UV lamp having a mercury amalgam spot; A power source; A conduit
body, which has at least one hole that is located near the mercury
spot of the UV lamp; and An air moving device, which delivers air
through the conduit body in a first direction; and the at least one
hole directs the air in a second direction and near the mercury
spot of the UV lamp; A controller is used to modulate speed of the
air moving device in order to maintain the temperature of the UV
lamp; the controller has a delay function to delay operation of the
air moving device, in order to allow the UV lamp to reach an
operating temperature; Whereby the air moving device provides
cooling to alter temperature near the mercury amalgam spot of the
UV lamp.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one hole is an
air director, which is located near the mercury amalgam spot of the
UV lamp.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller uses a
temperature sensor located near the mercury amalgam spot to
maintain the temperature of the UV lamp.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the mercury amalgam spot
comprises, mercury or an amalgam; and the air moving device keeps
the mercury amalgam spot between 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees
C.
14. An apparatus for disinfection of air and surfaces, comprising:
A UV lamp having a mercury amalgam spot; A power source; A conduit
body, which has at least one air director that is located near the
mercury spot of the UV lamp; and An air moving device, which
delivers air through the conduit body in a first direction; and the
at least one air director directs the air in a second direction and
near the mercury spot of the UV lamp; A controller is used to
modulate speed of the air moving device in order to maintain the
temperature of the UV lamp; the controller has a delay function to
delay operation of the air moving device, in order to allow the UV
lamp to reach an operating temperature; Whereby the air moving
device provides cooling to alter temperature near the mercury
amalgam spot of the UV lamp.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller uses a
temperature sensor located near the mercury amalgam spot to
maintain the temperature of the UV lamp.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the mercury amalgam spot
comprises, mercury or an amalgam; and the air moving device keeps
the mercury amalgam spot between 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees C.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The effectiveness of germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) irradiation as a
powerful disinfecting technology has been well documented in
peer-reviewed literature as well as in practice. Germicidal UV-C
disinfection has been used for decades in disinfecting municipal
drinking water, waste water, and in air and surface applications to
disinfect against various micro-organisms such as bacteria, virus
and mold. UVC devices employ one or more lamps emitting a spectral
wavelength output of approximately 254 nm which disrupts the DNA
structure of the micro-organisms, rendering them harmless and
unable to reproduce.
The lamps typically used in these devices are low pressure mercury
vapor discharge lamps. There are three basic types of low pressure
ultraviolet lamps in commercial use. A standard output lamp, with
input of approximately 425 milliamps has been used for many years.
For about two decades, a higher output type lamp with an input of
about 850 milliamps has been utilized. Recently a very high output
lamp with an input current of from 2.0 to as high as 8.0 amps has
become popular in some types of disinfection application.
Applications of this type of lamp are popular where high levels of
UVC are required such as in municipal water treatment plants.
Construction of the lamp and the materials used are somewhat
different to accommodate the high temperatures. With the standard
and high output lamps, pure mercury is generally used in the lamp
to generate the UVC wavelength of approximately 254 nm. In the very
high output lamp, generally the mercury is supplied in an amalgam
of metals and may be located on one or more spots placed on the
inside of the lamp envelope.
The necessary relatively high doses of ultraviolet radiation
typically required to achieve desired disinfection levels requires
the use of multiple germicidal lamps. The use of multiple
germicidal lamps increases expenses, as well as maintenance.
Therefore, it is desirable to use fewer very high output germicidal
lamps.
However, applying a very high output germicidal lamp, particularly
in air, is not without difficulties. During operation of a low
pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, the vapor pressure of the
mercury greatly affects lamp output. For an efficient operation of
the lamp, a predetermined range of the mercury vapor pressure
inside the discharge vessel is required.
By using an amalgam containing mercury, the mercury vapor pressure
can be controlled within this predetermined range for a relatively
broad temperature range, allowing operating the lamp at a high
efficiency and to deliver a relatively high radiation output within
this temperature range. Very high output amalgam lamps thus provide
the highest UVC output amongst low pressure mercury lamps and are
therefore highly desirable for use for disinfection
applications.
The mercury or amalgam of mercury may be located in many different
places. In many lamps, it is typically located in one or more
locations of the glass inner surface facing the discharge space of
the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp. As a result, the
amalgam is exposed directly to the discharge space so that the
temperature of the amalgam can increase relatively rapidly after
the discharge lamp is turned on or lit up. The ideal operating
temperature range for germicidal amalgam lamps can vary due to the
composition of the amalgam. Typically, it is from 80 degrees C. to
140 degrees C.
However, the higher temperatures occurring at high loading of the
lamp may cause the temperature of the amalgam to exceed the maximum
operating temperature. This high temperature is not generally a
problem when very high output lamps are used for water treatment.
In this application, the lamps are generally housed in a quartz
sleeve and submerged in moving water, which allows cooling of the
lamp and maintains the temperature within the proper temperature
range. This is most likely the reason that most applications of
very high output lamps are limited to water treatment applications
only.
Currently, there are little or no applications of very high output
lamps in ambient air. In this air application, the temperature at
the amalgam spot can exceed 150 degrees C. If the amalgam melts,
several things may happen. The amalgam may move out of position and
could make contact with an electrode and cause possible shorting or
ineffective operation of the lamp. The molten amalgam material may
be spread throughout the lamp and solidify at those positions when
the operating conditions change. Solidified amalgam material at a
position within the discharge path, for example, may become too hot
at a later stage of the lamp use, i.e. the amalgam temperature will
become outside its temperature range. When the amalgam is operating
outside its ideal temperature range, this results in too high a
mercury vapor pressure and hence reduces the lamp efficiency.
The positioning of the (germicidal) lamp, i.e. horizontal versus
vertical positioning of the lamp, also influences the temperature
of the amalgam. If the system design and application do not allow
the amalgam to get into their proper operating temperature range,
the lamp will have very low UV output and tend to be quite
unstable.
Amalgam lamps provide the highest UVC output amongst low pressure
mercury lamps and are therefore highly desirable for use in
disinfection applications. However, due to the susceptibility of
the amalgam to melt when the temperature exceeds the operating
range, the use of germicidal amalgam lamps has been almost
exclusively limited to water or liquid disinfection applications,
wherein the amalgam lamps are constantly submerged in water or
liquids, allowing the lamps to operate in the ideal temperature
range.
It is the purpose of this invention to solve these temperature
problems for air and surface disinfection applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is highly desirable to be able to utilize germicidal lamps and
in particular very high output germicidal lamps for air and surface
applications. The present invention discusses a novel approach to
utilize the very high UVC output of germicidal amalgam lamps in UVC
disinfection devices in air and surface applications by providing a
means to reduce and/or control the temperature of the amalgam
spot(s) thus allowing the lamp to operate in its ideal operating
range.
Another object of this invention is to allow the use of the
germicidal amalgam lamp for use in a vertical configuration in a
UVC disinfection device by ensuring that the amalgam is kept in its
position and operating within the ideal temperature range. Yet
another object of this invention is to reduce or eliminate the
possibility of the amalgam melting. The present invention allows
the germicidal amalgam lamps to be used in devices for air and
surface disinfection where the amalgam lamp is exposed to ambient
air. The invention discloses a novel approach to cool and/or
control the temperature of the amalgam spot, thereby preventing the
amalgam spot from melting and allowing the lamp to operate in an
ideal operating temperature range and deliver maximum UVC
output.
An example of a UVC disinfection device is the V-360+ mobile
disinfection device, by UltraViolet Devices, Inc., which is used to
disinfect surfaces in a healthcare environment. It is therefore
highly desirable to utilize amalgam lamps to maximize the UVC
output of the V360+ device and allow rapid disinfection times. The
V-360+ device (See FIG. 1) utilizes more than one or four
germicidal amalgam lamps which are located around a highly
reflective hollow cylindrical aluminum support/conduit mounted at
the center of a circular base. The combination of the high output
amalgam lamps and the highly reflective support allows the V360+
device to deliver a high dose of UVC in order to achieve high
levels of disinfections and rapid disinfection times.
However, with the lamps positioned in a vertical configuration, the
amalgam spots are highly susceptible to overheating and even
melting and moving out of position due to conditions described
previously.
When the device is used in a typical ambient environment, the
temperature of the critical spots (amalgam) can exceed 150 degrees
C. and make the lamp operate outside its ideal operating range. The
proximity of these lamps to the aluminum support lends to even
higher temperature at the amalgam spot or spots.
This invention overcomes this challenge by providing an effective
method to control the temperature of the critical spot(s) of the
lamps on this device. In one embodiment of the application, the
temperature of the critical spot (amalgam) is maintained by
directing a uniform flow of air on and around the critical spot or
spots (amalgam). The flow of air is generated by a fan located
inside the V-360+, whereby the flow of air is directed to the
critical spot (amalgam) through apertures located on the
cylindrical conduit in close proximity to the spot or spots. The
size of the cooling fan, location on the cylindrical conduit and
the size of the apertures are judiciously chosen to provide an
optimal amount of air flow through the apertures on the cylindrical
conduit.
The air flow obtained through this arrangement is such that it
provides an optimal amount of cooling in order maintain the
temperature of the amalgam spot or spots in the ideal operating
range, approximately between 80 deg C. and 140 deg C.
In another embodiment of the application, air flow is provided to
the amalgam spot or spots through the use of air distribution
nozzles that are mounted on the support and/or conduit in close
proximity to the critical spot or spots, wherein the air flow is
generated by the fan located optimally inside the device.
In another embodiment of the application, air flow is provided to
the amalgam spot(s) via air diverter tubes that are mounted inside
the support/conduit in close proximity to the amalgam spot or spots
and divert an optimal amount of air onto the amalgam spot or
spots.
In another embodiment of the application, the temperature of the
critical spot or points is controlled by the use of a heat sink
that is mounted on the critical spot or points and is connected to
the support. By transferring the excess heat to the support, the
heat sink maintains the temperature of the critical spot or spots
(amalgam) in the desired operating range.
In yet another embodiment, a thermoelectric device is affixed to
the critical spots (amalgam) of the lamp and is used to control the
temperature of the critical spot. The thermoelectric device may be
controlled to maintain a pre-determined temperature, within the
ideal temperature range. A temperature sensing device may also be
used by the controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1. An isometric drawing of one preferred embodiment of the UVC
device utilizing this invention.
FIG. 2. A vertical cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG.
1
FIG. 3a. A horizontal cross sectional view of the device shown in
FIG. 1 (enlarged).
FIG. 3b. An enlarged portion of the conduit 3, shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 3c. The view shown in FIG. 3b with the lamp 8 removed for
clarity.
FIG. 4a. A view of an alternate embodiment showing use of an
additional component to direct air.
FIG. 4b. A view of the additional component of FIG. 4a from inside
the conduit 3.
FIG. 4c. A view of an individual conduit (alternate embodiment)
FIG. 5. A schematic showing a control circuit for controlling
operation of the air moving component.
FIG. 6. A side view of an alternate embodiment incorporating heat
sinks attached to the UV lamp.
FIG. 7. A side view of an alternate embodiment with a heat sink
attached to the UV lamp and in contact with a structural
member.
FIG. 8. A view of a solid state thermoelectric device attached to
the UVC lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, a typical device 1 for the UV disinfection of
air or surfaces is shown. The basic elements of the device are a
base 2, a support, in this case, acting also as a conduit 3 and an
opening 5 for the exit of air. One or more lamps 4 are installed
around the support or conduit 3.
FIG. 2 shows the typical device 1, in cross section. An air moving
device 6, including without limitation a fan or blower, is
installed in the conduit 6 or may be installed in the base 2. The
air moving device 6 causes air 7 to move into the conduit 3 and
much of the air to exit through opening 5. Orifices, openings or
holes 9 of a specific pre-determined diameter are placed in the
conduit 4 at a strategic point selected to direct the air 7 through
the orifices 9 to an area near or at the critical spot or points 8
(including mercury spot or amalgam spot, which contains mercury) on
the lamp 4.
In another embodiment, not shown, the opening 5 may be omitted
allowing all the air 7 to be directed through the orifices 9. In
yet another embodiment (not shown), a multitude of small conduits
could be used to individually supply air 7 to orifices 9.
FIG. 3a shows a horizontal cross sectional view through the conduit
3. Air 7 flows through the orifices 9 and is directed to the
critical spot 8 on the lamp 4. FIG. 3b shows a portion of the
conduit 3 with the lamp 4. In FIG. 3c, the lamp 4 is removed to
better show one of the orifices 9.
An alternate embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 4a which
shows a portion of the conduit 3 with a diverter or nozzle 10
installed in the conduit 3 to improve air flow to the critical spot
8. The nozzle/diverter 10 contains the proper size orifice 9. FIG.
4b shows a view of the nozzle/diverter 10 from inside the conduit.
An alternate embodiment for delivering cooling air 7 to the
critical spot 8 is shown in FIG. 4c and it consists of one or more
individual conduits 20 for each critical spot 8.
Often, it is advantageous to allow the lamp to come up to the
proper temperature rapidly prior to applying cooling air 7. A means
(a part of this invention) is shown to delay operation of the air
moving device 6 is shown in FIG. 5; a delay operation is useful to
allow the UV lamp to reach a preferred operating temperature.
Alternatively, this may also power a thermo electric cooling device
17. A source of power 11 powers a main controller 12, which
normally operates the lamps 4 and the air mover 6, as appropriate.
A hardware or software time delay 13 is located in the control
circuit, such that operation of the air mover 6 can be controlled
or delayed. Optionally, a temperature sensor 14 may be added to the
time delay 13 or controller 12 to control operation of the air
mover 6.
Alternate methods (another part of this invention) to remove heat
from the critical spots 8 of the lamp 4 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
A heat sink collar 15 may be applied to the lamp 4 around the
critical spot 8. Heat is transferred from the critical spot 8 to
the ambient air. The heat sink 15 may or may not be additionally
cooled with air from the orifices 9. In another embodiment, the
heat sink 16 is larger and contacts a support 19 in the apparatus
to further draw heat from the critical spot 8.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 8, a
thermoelectric cooling/heating device 17 is used to control the
temperature of the critical spots 8. The temperature of the
thermoelectric heating/cooling device 17 and the heat controlling
capacity may be controlled by a controller 18.
An apparatus for disinfection of air and surfaces, comprising:
A UV lamp having a mercury amalgam spot;
A power source;
A conduit body, which has at least one hole that is located near
the mercury spot of the UV lamp; and
An air moving device, which delivers air through the at least one
hole in the conduit body and near the mercury spot of the UV
lamp,
Whereby the air moving device provides cooling to alter temperature
near the mercury amalgam spot of the UV lamp.
The apparatus further comprises at least one hole is an air
director, which is located near the mercury amalgam spot of the UV
lamp; a controller is used to modulate speed of the air moving
device in order to maintain the temperature of the UV lamp; the
controller uses a temperature sensor located near the mercury
amalgam spot to maintain the temperature of the UV lamp; the
mercury amalgam spot comprises, mercury or an amalgam; the air
moving device keeps the mercury amalgam spot below its melting
temperature; the air moving device keeps the mercury amalgam spot
between 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees C.; the air director is a
nozzle, an orifice or a diverter; the controller has a delay
function to delay operation of the air moving device, in order to
allow the UV lamp to reach an operating temperature.
An apparatus for disinfection of air and surfaces, comprising:
A UV lamp having a mercury amalgam spot;
A power source;
A thermo-electric device, which is in contact with the UV lamp near
the mercury amalgam spot, whereby the thermo-electric device allows
for heating or cooling to the mercury amalgam spot of the UV
lamp.
The apparatus further comprising the thermo-electric device uses a
temperature sensor located near the mercury amalgam spot of the UV
lamp; the mercury amalgam spot comprises, mercury or an amalgam;
the thermo-electric device keeps the mercury amalgam spot below its
melting temperature; the thermo-electric device keeps the mercury
amalgam spot between 80 degrees C. and 150 degrees C.; there is an
air moving device, which directs air through at least one hole near
the mercury amalgam spot of the UV lamp.
An apparatus for disinfection of air and surfaces, comprising:
A UV lamp having a mercury amalgam spot;
A power source; and
A heat sink, which is in contact with the UV lamp near the mercury
amalgam spot, whereby the heat sink allows for heat dissipation
from the UV lamp.
The apparatus further comprising: the heat sink is connected to an
adjacent structural component of the apparatus to increase the heat
dissipation from the UV lamp; the mercury amalgam spot comprises,
mercury or an amalgam; the heat sink keeps the mercury amalgam spot
below its melting temperature; the heat sink keeps the mercury
amalgam spot between 80 deg. C. and 150 deg. C.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which
can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
Further, the title, headings, terms and phrases used herein are not
intended to limit the subject matter or scope; but rather, to
provide an understandable description of the invention. The
invention is composed of several sub-parts that serve a portion of
the total functionality of the invention independently and
contribute to system level functionality when combined with other
parts of the invention.
The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more
than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or
more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at
least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used
herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term
coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not
necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for"
performing a specific function, or "step for" performing a specific
function, is not be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as
specified in 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the
use of "step of" in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the
provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6.
Incorporation by reference: All publications, patents, and patent
applications mentioned in this specification are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference, including:
US 2012/0305787A1 (Henson); U.S. Pat. No. 8,575,567B2 (Lyslo); U.S.
Pat. No. 7,658,891B1 (Barnes); US 2005/0258378A1 (Speer).
* * * * *